The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:3, NIV)
We can all look back and see when and where the high note of our golf career happened. Both amateurs and pros alike can even reflect on a single round and pick out the highlight, the shot that brings us back the next day!
But in looking back, very few of us actually experience contentment. Most of us feel some bitterness that we have left some potential unfulfilled. I can remember vividly hearing a PGA major winner in an interview saying, “I should have won more.”
Even though some people have what we all think would be a dream fulfilled, it is not enough for them. Many millionaires aren’t satisfied. As John D. Rockefeller coined it, all it takes is “just one more dollar.” He was saying that no amount is ever enough.
We are all pathologically starved for more achievement, approval, and glory. But what is interesting is that we keep seeking the same things that have let us down to fulfill us! I have thought to myself at times, I would like to end my career on a high note. It is a fallacious pursuit at best. It will never be enough.
C.S. Lewis suggested in The Screwtape Letters that it seems to be a strategy of the enemy to keep us striving and occupied in accumulating money, fame, and trophies. “Just one more!” Convincing us that fulfillment exists in this world is a great “illusion” to keep a heart away from the right pursuit. But the high note we long for is not of this world!
You see, sometimes we will even get angry at God for not doing what we want. How dare the Lord of the universe not do as I command!, we secretly think. But while we groan and moan that we have gotten the short end of the stick, what we don’t see is that God is actually protecting and guiding us to himself. We also forget how much he actually blesses us—one smile, the sunshine, gravity, your eyelashes, and yes, that one shot that brings you back! I love how Lewis put it in The Business of Heaven: “Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.” God in his great love doesn’t let the illusion live on.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” Is this the Jesus you know? Here we catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity, and the radiance, beautiful symmetry and fellowship within it. Within the Trinity, Jesus had all the riches and glory and honor from the Father; and he gave it all up for you on the cross. This Jesus is the one who purified your sins, and brings you into fellowship with him and the Father through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Even though we have all hated him and hated his commands and loved our plans better than his and still grumble sometimes, he died for us. It is not right; it is completely undeserved. This sheer grace, this love is much greater than you can imagine. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on today’s verse states: “We never can be thankful enough that God has in so many ways, and with such increasing clearness, spoken to us fallen sinners concerning salvation. That he should by himself cleanse us from our sins is a wonder of love beyond our utmost powers of admiration, gratitude, and praise.”
With his love Christ clothes us with his righteousness, so that his perfect record and achievement becomes ours! This is the highest note for all eternity and will never be equaled. This is the greatest love you will ever know. No wonder he brings true fulfillment! And no wonder nothing else will do. When you long for more, know that what you need is “just Jesus.”
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Isabelle Beisiegel
June 6, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.